Build your own Happy Bee hotel
Many wild bees have a hard time finding shelter. Solitary bees may be efficient pollinators but aren’t able to create their own nesting tunnels. Since dead tree trunks and branches with cavities are hard to come by, making a bee hotel is a great way to lend bees a helping hand. Here are some of our favourite styles and designs for inspiration. If you have kids, ask them to join in for an afternoon of fun and creativity.
Keep it simple - a Wooden Block
All you need is a block of wood that is at least 10 cm thick. Use 3–10 mm drill bits to drill holes into one side of the wood. The holes should be 6–10 cm deep. Just make sure they don’t go right through. Mount the block on the wall to welcome your first bee guests.
Get rolling - a bundle of Bamboo Canes
If you have pieces of bamboo lying around, cut them to a suitable length and bundle them up. And voilà – the hotel is now open!
Bee our quest - a 5-start Pollinator Hotel
Who doesn’t love a little luxury? Build a house-shaped wooden frame and fill the individual rooms with pieces of bamboo, wood and other natural materials. Cover the entrance with fine chicken wire (5 cm) to keep small birds away. Then it’s time to check in!
